In a major shake-up to the 2026 recruiting class, four-star linebacker Jordan Campbell has decommitted from the Miami Hurricanes to join Ohio State football. The highly coveted linebacker, who was initially expected to bolster Miami’s defense, made the decision to switch his commitment to the Buckeyes, sending waves through the college football recruiting landscape. His change of heart has left many fans questioning what drove Campbell to make such a significant shift, especially considering the strong ties he had with Miami.
Campbell, a standout at his high school in Florida, had committed to Miami early in his recruitment, largely due to the program’s reputation and proximity to home. As a dynamic linebacker with incredible sideline-to-sideline range, football IQ, and tackling ability, Campbell’s commitment was seen as a huge win for the Hurricanes. However, in recent months, Campbell began to reevaluate his options and explore other opportunities. “It wasn’t an easy decision to decommit from Miami, but I felt like Ohio State offered the right environment for my growth, both as a player and as a person,” Campbell explained.
The decision to move from Miami to Ohio State is one that many fans might not have seen coming, especially since Campbell had been a vocal advocate for the Hurricanes during his recruitment. However, Ohio State’s longstanding tradition of excellence, particularly on defense, played a large role in Campbell’s decision to make the switch. The Buckeyes have a reputation for developing elite linebackers, and that reputation, combined with the opportunity to play for one of the top programs in the nation, ultimately led Campbell to decommit from Miami.
“Ohio State has a winning culture, and they’re always in the mix for national championships. The way they develop players and the competition at practice is second to none,” Campbell said. Under head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Ohio State has been able to develop numerous players who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, and Campbell sees that as an ideal environment to showcase his skills.
Another major factor in Campbell’s decision was the chance to be a part of Ohio State’s defensive identity. The Buckeyes consistently field one of the most formidable defenses in the country, and Campbell wants to be a key part of that tradition. “I want to compete at the highest level, and Ohio State’s defense is built to help me do that. I feel like I can come in and contribute right away and help elevate the defense even further,” he said.
Additionally, Campbell cited the strong relationships he built with the Ohio State coaching staff as a reason for his commitment. “Coach Day, Coach Knowles, and the entire staff were very welcoming. They made me feel like a priority and showed me how they believe I can fit into their defensive scheme,” Campbell shared.
While the move may come as a surprise to some, it’s clear that Campbell’s decision was driven by a desire to reach his full potential in a program that consistently competes at the highest level. His commitment to Ohio State is a huge win for the Buckeyes, as they continue to build a dominant defense for the future. With his incredible talent and work ethic, Campbell could be a key piece in Ohio State’s pursuit of a national title in the coming years.
As Campbell now shifts his focus to his future at Ohio State, both Miami and the Buckeyes are eager to see how his commitment will shape up in the coming years. Ohio State fans can look forward to seeing one of the top linebackers in the nation join their ranks, bringing a dynamic playmaker to the heart of their defense.
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